Tropical Rice Pilaf Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Tropical Rice Pilaf Delight. This dish combines fragrant long-grain rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeno for a hint of heat, all simmered in rich chicken broth. The addition of thyme and a bay leaf infuses each bite with aromatic goodness, making it a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a hearty vegetarian option. Share this delightful pilaf with family and friends at your next gathering or enjoy it as a comforting meal any day of the week.
8
Servings
210
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped (about 1 cup))
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
long-grain rice
3 cups (uncooked)
chicken broth
4 1/2 cups (low-sodium)
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic is aromatic.
2
Stir in the long-grain rice, ensuring that it is well coated with the melted butter. This step adds a lovely toasted flavor to the rice.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the chopped jalapeno pepper, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
5
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pilaf. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve hot or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
31g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Rice Pilaf Delight?
Tropical Rice Pilaf Delight is a Caribbean-inspired side dish made with long-grain rice, sautéed aromatics, and a touch of jalapeno for heat.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of uncooked long-grain rice to achieve the best texture.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, it takes approximately 20 minutes to simmer until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Is Tropical Rice Pilaf Delight gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this rice dish very spicy?
It has a mild hint of heat from one seeded and chopped jalapeno. For less heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds entirely.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 3g of fat, 31g of carbohydrates, and 4.5g of protein.
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Yes, but you will need to increase the liquid amount and the cooking time significantly, as brown rice takes longer to soften.
What should I serve with Tropical Rice Pilaf?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, jerk chicken, roasted fish, or as a base for a vegetarian bean dish.
How do I store leftover pilaf?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this rice dish?
Yes, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Why do I need to sauté the rice in butter first?
Sautéing the rice coats the grains in fat and toasts them slightly, which prevents the grains from sticking together and adds a nutty flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing is optional, but it helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, less sticky rice grains.
Can I add more vegetables to this pilaf?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn would make great additions to the sautéing stage.
What can I use if I don't have fresh jalapenos?
You can use a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of canned diced green chiles as a substitute.
Is it okay to use dried thyme?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I make the rice fluffier?
Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes. Sauté the onions, garlic, and rice in a pan first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker and add the broth and spices.
What does the bay leaf do?
The bay leaf adds a subtle herbal depth and aroma to the rice as it simmers.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you should reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the dish too salty.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth, bouillon cubes dissolved in water, or even plain water (with extra seasoning) can be used.
How do I reheat the rice so it isn't dry?
Add a splash of water or broth to the rice before reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore moisture.
Can I add fruit like pineapple or mango?
To lean into the 'Tropical' theme, you can stir in some diced fresh pineapple or dried mango after the rice is finished cooking.
Is there a way to lower the sodium in this recipe?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and omit the extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt mentioned in the ingredients.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
This recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves for optimal flavor.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves to replace the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The recipe uses butter and chicken broth, so it will contain a small amount of cholesterol unless substituted with plant-based alternatives.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, this pilaf is versatile and can be served hot as a side or at room temperature as part of a grain salad.